House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ends historic run as leader
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she will not run for a leadership post. President Biden spoke with Nancy Pelosi Thursday morning and congratulated her on "her historic tenure as Speaker of the House," according to the White House. President Biden said in a statement following her announcement stepping down from the speakership that "history will note she was the most consequential Speaker of the House of Representatives in our history." "In everything she does," Biden wrote, "she reflects a dignity in her actions and a dignity she sees in the lives of the people of this nation."
"Because of Nancy Pelosi, the lives of millions and millions of Americans are better, even in districts represented by Republicans who voted against her bills and too often vilify her," the president continued. "That’s Nancy – always working for the dignity of all of the people." Biden, in his statement, also recalled Pelosi's work throughout her time with the gavel and remarked that "history will also note her fierceness and resolve to protect our democracy from the violent, deadly insurrection of January 6th.""She might be stepping down from her leadership role in the House Democratic Caucus, but she will never waiver in protecting our sacred democracy," he added, saying the nation owes her "a deep debt of gratitude for her service, her patriotism, and above all, her absolute dignity."
Democratic lawmakers celebrated Pelosi's historic legacy as House speaker. Senator Chris Van Hollen stated that "Not only did @SpeakerPelosi make history as the first woman Speaker of the House, but as the most effective Speaker ever. She has been the fearless force behind much of the progress we have made in the 21st Century. Her legacy is forever etched in American history. "